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Carnations - Origin & meaning of Dianthus

Want to find out more about carnations?

Then you've come to the right place! Carnations are one of the most popular flowers and can be found in many gardens and bouquets due to their beauty and variety. In this article, you will learn all about the origin of the name, the flowering time, the characteristics, the message & meaning and the occasions for givingcarnationsas gifts.

Let's dive into the fascinating world of this flower together!

hellgrune-nelke-gerbera-blumenversand Author: Peter Karper

These points are dealt with in this article and brought closer to you:

There is also a text about carnations at the end if you would like to find out more about this topic.

Nahaufname einer hellgrünen Nelken im Blumenstrauß eingebunden

Autor: Peter Karper

Origin of the carnation's name

The botanical name of the carnation is Dianthus, which comes from the Greek and means "goddess of love". This name refers to the flower shape, which is reminiscent of small hearts. The name carnation, on the other hand, comes from Latin and means "nail". This refers to the pointed shape of the petals, which is reminiscent of a nail.

Characteristics of carnations (Dianthus)

Want to know the characteristics of carnations? Here we have listed some characteristics for you:

Characteristics:

  1. Long-lived: They are perennial plants and can flower for several years. Perennial and robust.
  2. Fragrance: There are many different types of carnations, including fragrant varieties. The scent of some species is pleasantly ethereal and spicy.
  3. Leaves: Carnations have narrow, grass-like leaves and bear striking flowers with pinnate petals. The leaf blade is usually lanceolate to ovate.
  4. Where they grow: They are not only found in gardens and flowerbeds, but also grow wild in many parts of the world. They are mainly found in the temperate regions of the northern hemisphere.
  5. Hardy: Carnations are easy to care for and long-lasting.

Flowering time of carnations

Carnations bloom from May to October, making them one of the few flowers that are available almost all year round. There are many different varieties of carnations, from single to double flowers, in a variety of colours and shades. The colours of the petals range from white to pink and red.

Message and meaning of carnations

Carnations have many different meanings and are often associated with love and affection. In red, for example, they symbolise passion and love, while white carnations express innocence and purity. In yellow, on the other hand, they symbolise friendship and gratitude, while pink carnations represent affection and admiration.

Care guide for carnations

In general, the same care instructions apply as for most other flowers. That's why you should definitely read our flower blog post on flower care. The tips and tricks in this guide will help you. Carnations need regular watering, good fertilisation and well-drained soil. Remove wilted flowers regularly to encourage new growth. They are susceptible to fungal diseases, so good ventilation is important.

Occasions for sending carnations

Carnations are suitable for many different occasions, from romantic gestures to thank you messages. They are a popular choice for weddings and other formal occasions, but also as a gift for Mother's Day or Valentine's Day. Carnations also work well as a grave favour or as a sign of respect for a deceased loved one.

Carnations with other flowers also go well with anniversaries, birthdays, weddings, romantic occasions and all kinds of special occasions.

To summarise, carnations are a popular choice for bouquets and gifts due to their multiple meanings and long shelf life. No matter what occasion you want to give carnations for, they will always convey a special message.

Card text templates to send

Card text sayings that you can use when sending carnations. Simply copy and paste into the card text when sending.

Version 1.

Dear [name],

I hope these beautiful carnations will bring a smile to your face. Their vibrant colours and pleasant fragrance are a symbol of joy and friendship. I want to show you that I am thinking of you and wish you all the best.

Best regards,

[Your name]

Version 2.

Dear [name],

I would like to express my appreciation and gratitude to you with this bouquet of delicate carnations. The flowers are a sign of loyalty and devotion, just as I feel for you. I hope they bring you joy and show you how much you mean to me.

With love,

[Your name]

Example bouquets with carnations

Here are some sample bouquets containing the flower of the gods that make excellent gifts:

  • Carnationsand roses: A classic bouquet that expresses love and affection.
    Discover here
  • Carnations and lilies: An elegant bouquet that symbolises purity and beauty.
    Give as a gift now!
  • Carnations and gerberas: A cheerful bouquet that conveys joy and friendship, order it right here.

Frequently asked questions about carnations

Carnations (Dianthus) are versatile and fascinating. Here are some frequently asked questions:

Which carnation species are particularly popular?

Popular species are Dianthus barbatus (bearded carnation), Dianthus plumarius (feather carnation), Dianthus gratianopolitanus, and Dianthus deltoides (heather carnation). The Chinese carnation (Dianthus chinensis) is also widespread.

What is the best way to care for carnations?

Regular watering and fertilising are important. Make sure to remove wilted flowers to encourage new growth. Use clove oil occasionally for healthy care.

Can cloves be used as a spice?

No, cloves (Syzygium aromaticum) are used in the kitchen and have nothing to do with the flowers of the clove plant. The eugenol they contain gives these cloves their typical flavour.

Are cloves suitable as an ornamental plant?

Yes, cloves are popular ornamental plants in gardens. They can be planted individually or together in inflorescences.

What are the botanical common names of carnations?

Some well-known common names are garden carnations and bearded carnations.

How do carnations propagate?

Carnations can be easily propagated by cuttings. The plants have tap roots and can also be propagated by rhizomes.

Are carnations perennial or biennial?

Carnations can be both perennial and biennial, depending on the species and variety.

What does the flowering of carnations look like?

The flower buds are conspicuous and the flowers themselves are often notched or slit. The flowers are single or clustered together in terminal inflorescences.

Are carnations susceptible to diseases?

Carnations are susceptible to fungal diseases and should be planted in well-ventilated areas.

What types and varieties of carnations are there?

There are many species and varieties of carnations, including Dianthus caryophyllus (garden carnation) and Dianthus carthusianorum (Carthusian carnation). In total, there are around _##########_0__ registered carnation varieties.

Discover more flower species in our encyclopaedia

Delve deeper into the world of flowers and find out more about their meaning, care and origin:

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